Technology
FRA seeks input on railroad industry automation
(Source: Progressive Railroading 03/29/2018) The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is soliciting public comments on the future of automation in the railroad industry. The agency is requesting information and comments from industry stakeholders, the public, local and state governments, and other interested parties on the potential benefits, costs, risks and challenges to implementing automated railroad operations, according to a…
Read MoreDrones Are Watching: Railroad Irks Workers With Unmanned Aircraft
(Source: The Wall Street Journal 03/14/2018) Workers say drones are a distraction; the railroad says the program will coach employees in correcting behaviors that could cause serious injury By Paul Ziobro Union Pacific Corp. UNP -0.15% riled employees recently when it started flying drones over some of its railroad yards to ensure workers were following safety guidelines. The aerial…
Read MoreUnion Pacific continues to pursue technologies that can enhance safety, streamline operations
(Source: Progressive Railroading March 2018) By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor Like all Class Is, Union Pacific Railroad is trying to boost productivity, increase efficiency, improve safety and enlarge its customer base. To help meet those objectives, the Class I continues to pursue something that’s also long been a common target for nearly all railroads large and small:…
Read MorePTC costs to shut Utah commuter line
(Source: Railway Age 02/21/2018) Written by Stuart Chirls, Senior Editor Transit officials in Utah plan to suspend services on a segment of commuter rail connecting the suburbs north of Salt Lake City, citing the prohibitive cost of complying with new federal safety rules mandating PTC (Positive Train Control). FrontRunner commuter rail service to Pleasant View, with the lowest ridership…
Read MoreOntario releases hydrogen-powered train study
(Source: Progressive Railroading 02/27/2018) The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has released a report on the technical and economic feasibility of using hydrogen-powered trains to electrify GO Transit‘s rail service. The study determined that it would be feasible to use hydrogen fuel cell technology as an alternative to traditional overhead wires. The lifetime cost of building and operating the hydrogen-powered system…
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